help to swap SOHC 2l for DOHC 2l - The Ford Focus Forum

**rwar10** · 10-18-2009, 05:25 PM

I would like some info on how to swap a zetec into my 2001 ford focus wagon. I am planning on buying a complete parts car to do this, but was wondering how difficult this will be. I am new to the focus world so any help is appreciated. Thanks!

**GapBoyPCS** · 10-18-2009, 05:31 PM

Welcome to FocalJet.

First off, what transmission do you have in your wagon? The reason I ask is that the Zetec and SPI manual transmissions are different.

Aside from that, there are several threads on our forums for people who have converted their cars from SPI to Zetec.

**lightning2nd** · 10-18-2009, 06:17 PM

welcome

**rwar10** · 10-18-2009, 09:26 PM

i am planning on purchasing a car with a 5 speed manual and swap the whole engine trans combo, but i was hoping to find out if there are any minor hiccups with this swap. are the zetecs the better engine?

**GapBoyPCS** · 10-18-2009, 09:47 PM

The better engine is always a debate. It really depends on what you want your car to do, and how you want to modify it.

I just typed in "swap spi to zetec" in our Google search tool on this forum and found these links:

http://forums.focaljet.com/spi-tunin...swap-done.html

http://forums.focaljet.com/spi-tunin...wap-zetec.html

I think a "minor hiccup" will be the wiring harnesses, and then you have to deal with different parts on the engine. Needless to say, it's a very tedious job from all accounts -- not impossible, but just complex.

**rwar10** · 10-20-2009, 12:23 AM

I was also wondering one thing about the spi engine.....my car i purchased has 26o,ooo km on it and seems to have puked the bottom end out of it, is this common place for these engines? I bought this car like this so dont accuse me of overdriving it yet...lol, just looking for some advice to make a good decision on a hotrod engine for my wagon

**Lancer211** · 10-20-2009, 01:15 AM

Ask SOHCTUNER for help. He just completed this engine swap about 2 months ago.

**Lancer211** · 10-20-2009, 02:46 AM

So yeah, I'd suggest PMing him.

**lifer** · 10-20-2009, 09:10 AM

the SPI engines are known for droping valves as far as i heard on here

**rwar10** · 10-21-2009, 04:29 PM

now that i have gotten into this car a bit i have realized this swap isnt the biggest thing to do, i just have 2 questions: 1: if i go with another auto mated to a zetec, are there nay issues with the body computer or do these automatics all work the same? and 2: when i swap the computer/wiring harness for the zetec electrics, how do you address the issue with the coded ignition key? is there a way to cheat?

**GapBoyPCS** · 10-21-2009, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwar10

now that i have gotten into this car a bit i have realized this swap isnt the biggest thing to do, i just have 2 questions: 1: if i go with another auto mated to a zetec, are there nay issues with the body computer or do these automatics all work the same? and 2: when i swap the computer/wiring harness for the zetec electrics, how do you address the issue with the coded ignition key? is there a way to cheat?

I believe the automatic transmissions are the same in both SPI and Zetec form. However, the issue would still be that different computers are needed for each different engine.

Personally, if you're that keen on a 2.0L DOHC Zetec, why not just find one and trade it for what you have already? Chances are you'll have more toys and features with a Zetec-engine wagon.

**Lancer211** · 10-21-2009, 09:09 PM

+1 on GapBoyPCS' suggestion.

However, if you're interested in the "educational experience" provided by doing the engine swap, yeah... you'll need a PCM from a Zetec.

**rwar10** · 10-21-2009, 10:09 PM

thanks for the help!

**Lancer211** · 10-28-2009, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwar10

thanks for the help!

Give us an update when you decide!

**20focus03** · 10-28-2009, 02:01 AM

yeah auto trans are the same in spi and zetec,it will be a learning experience no doubt,also yes its common to see sohc with holes in the block or knocking

**rwar10** · 10-29-2009, 11:51 AM

found a write off with a sohc engine, low km, (100,000), I chickened out and decided to put this in my car, still wrestling it out of the parts car. Thanks for all the insight anyways.

10-18-2009, 05:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
rwar10 Rookie Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 6	help to swap SOHC 2l for DOHC 2l I would like some info on how to swap a zetec into my 2001 ford focus wagon. I am planning on buying a complete parts car to do this, but was wondering how difficult this will be. I am new to the focus world so any help is appreciated. Thanks!

10-18-2009, 05:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
GapBoyPCS Moderator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Waterloo/Toronto/GTA, Ontario, Canada Posts: 10,227	Re: help to swap SOHC 2l for DOHC 2l Welcome to FocalJet. First off, what transmission do you have in your wagon? The reason I ask is that the Zetec and SPI manual transmissions are different. Aside from that, there are several threads on our forums for people who have converted their cars from SPI to Zetec. __________________ Richard - 2002 ZTS \| Sangria Red \| 434,000+ km...Be Bold, Stay Focused 24-7 Redline Rendezvous \| OFOC - Ontario Focus Owners Club \| SVTOA-Toronto [FJ] focaljet - Forum Guidelines - Welcome to the Jet - Team Canada - FJ Store - Sponsors - SEARCH

10-18-2009, 06:17 PM	#3 (permalink)
lightning2nd TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sioux Falls,SD Posts: 411	Re: help to swap SOHC 2l for DOHC 2l welcome __________________ RED 06' ZX4 2.0L Duratec cardomain.com/lightning2nd

10-18-2009, 09:26 PM	#4 (permalink)
rwar10 Rookie Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 6	Re: help to swap SOHC 2l for DOHC 2l i am planning on purchasing a car with a 5 speed manual and swap the whole engine trans combo, but i was hoping to find out if there are any minor hiccups with this swap. are the zetecs the better engine?

10-18-2009, 09:47 PM	#5 (permalink)
GapBoyPCS Moderator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Waterloo/Toronto/GTA, Ontario, Canada Posts: 10,227	Re: help to swap SOHC 2l for DOHC 2l The better engine is always a debate. It really depends on what you want your car to do, and how you want to modify it. I just typed in "swap spi to zetec" in our Google search tool on this forum and found these links: http://forums.focaljet.com/spi-tunin...swap-done.html http://forums.focaljet.com/spi-tunin...wap-zetec.html I think a "minor hiccup" will be the wiring harnesses, and then you have to deal with different parts on the engine. Needless to say, it's a very tedious job from all accounts -- not impossible, but just complex. __________________ Richard - 2002 ZTS \| Sangria Red \| 434,000+ km...Be Bold, Stay Focused 24-7 Redline Rendezvous \| OFOC - Ontario Focus Owners Club \| SVTOA-Toronto [FJ] focaljet - Forum Guidelines - Welcome to the Jet - Team Canada - FJ Store - Sponsors - SEARCH

10-20-2009, 12:23 AM	#6 (permalink)
rwar10 Rookie Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 6	Re: help to swap SOHC 2l for DOHC 2l I was also wondering one thing about the spi engine.....my car i purchased has 26o,ooo km on it and seems to have puked the bottom end out of it, is this common place for these engines? I bought this car like this so dont accuse me of overdriving it yet...lol, just looking for some advice to make a good decision on a hotrod engine for my wagon

10-20-2009, 01:15 AM	#7 (permalink)
Lancer211 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,347	Re: help to swap SOHC 2l for DOHC 2l Ask SOHCTUNER for help. He just completed this engine swap about 2 months ago. __________________ For sale: Eibach Pro-Kit springs, sedan taillight, lower grille, DPFE, EVR, MAFS, side markers, trunk handle, fuel door, gas pedal, headlight switch, AC/vent/defrost button, hazard switch, ashtray, silver console bezel, HVAC controls, gauge w/ tach. 2004 infrared Focus SE Zetec ATX sedan "Ruby" CarDomain Page

10-20-2009, 02:46 AM	#8 (permalink)
Lancer211 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,347	Re: help to swap SOHC 2l for DOHC 2l So yeah, I'd suggest PMing him. __________________ For sale: Eibach Pro-Kit springs, sedan taillight, lower grille, DPFE, EVR, MAFS, side markers, trunk handle, fuel door, gas pedal, headlight switch, AC/vent/defrost button, hazard switch, ashtray, silver console bezel, HVAC controls, gauge w/ tach. 2004 infrared Focus SE Zetec ATX sedan "Ruby" CarDomain Page

10-20-2009, 09:10 AM	#9 (permalink)
lifer TEAM Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: SYRACUSE NY Posts: 370	Re: help to swap SOHC 2l for DOHC 2l the SPI engines are known for droping valves as far as i heard on here __________________ IS NOT WHAT YOU DRIVE, IS HOW YOU DRIVE IT *217 WHP 253 FTQ AT 10 psi = 13.8 IN A 1/4* MORE NEXT SEASON NEW SET UP IN THE WORKS PRECISION TURBO KIT FOR SALE IN FOR SALE SECTION

10-21-2009, 04:29 PM	#10 (permalink)
rwar10 Rookie Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 6	Re: help to swap SOHC 2l for DOHC 2l now that i have gotten into this car a bit i have realized this swap isnt the biggest thing to do, i just have 2 questions: 1: if i go with another auto mated to a zetec, are there nay issues with the body computer or do these automatics all work the same? and 2: when i swap the computer/wiring harness for the zetec electrics, how do you address the issue with the coded ignition key? is there a way to cheat?

10-21-2009, 09:09 PM	#12 (permalink)
Lancer211 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,347	Re: help to swap SOHC 2l for DOHC 2l +1 on GapBoyPCS' suggestion. However, if you're interested in the "educational experience" provided by doing the engine swap, yeah... you'll need a PCM from a Zetec. __________________ For sale: Eibach Pro-Kit springs, sedan taillight, lower grille, DPFE, EVR, MAFS, side markers, trunk handle, fuel door, gas pedal, headlight switch, AC/vent/defrost button, hazard switch, ashtray, silver console bezel, HVAC controls, gauge w/ tach. 2004 infrared Focus SE Zetec ATX sedan "Ruby" CarDomain Page

10-21-2009, 10:09 PM	#13 (permalink)
rwar10 Rookie Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 6	Re: help to swap SOHC 2l for DOHC 2l thanks for the help!

10-28-2009, 02:01 AM	#15 (permalink)
20focus03 TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: ABQ,NEW MEXICO Posts: 971	Re: help to swap SOHC 2l for DOHC 2l yeah auto trans are the same in spi and zetec,it will be a learning experience no doubt,also yes its common to see sohc with holes in the block or knocking __________________ 03 Sangria Red zx5 stock :) 09 Harley Sporster 1200 :) 99 Yamaha R6 (stunter) :) 93 S10 -SBC in the works :) ._________________________ \|.....Overnight.....................\| \|\| \|........Japan Parts................\|\|'\|";,___. \|_..._...____________======\|\|_\|_\|...,] "(@)'(@)""'''''''''''''"'''"\|(@)(@)***"(@)

10-29-2009, 11:51 AM	#16 (permalink)
rwar10 Rookie Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 6	Re: help to swap SOHC 2l for DOHC 2l found a write off with a sohc engine, low km, (100,000), I chickened out and decided to put this in my car, still wrestling it out of the parts car. Thanks for all the insight anyways.

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